JUVE Comment

This leading patents team has diversified into a variety of sectors, starting from a strong position in pharmaceuticals proceedings. The practice gained ground in mobile communications proceedings and won Asus and Samsung as new clients. TW enjoyed success in litigation for ZTE against Sisvel involving FRAND licensing. The firm is also very visible in auto sector proceedings, e.g. conducting litigation for Metatron. In fall 2017, a Düsseldorf local partner moved to EIP but, thanks to TW’s strong team, this should not be too heavy a blow.

Strengths

Litigation related to pharmaceuticals and telecoms. Good contacts in China and Japan.

European strategy

TW has a preeminent patents team across Europe, with excellently positioned teams in London, Düsseldorf and Munich. Expertise exists in Amsterdam and Paris too, though this could be built on further. TW also boasts a traditionally well-positioned Asian practice.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Sabine Rojahn (“strong litigator”, competitor), Dr. Michael Samer, Christoph de Coster, Dr. Christian Lederer (“excellent”, competitor), Dr. Dietrich Kamlah, Dr. Gisbert Hohagen.

Team

7 equity partners, 5 salary partners, 8 associates, 2 of counsel

Practice

All-round activity in IP. In patents, activity focuses on infringement proceedings. Very close cooperation with the European patents team and international life sciences practice. Also licensing and cooperation contracts. Trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

ZTE against Sisvel, Asus against Philips (both regarding mobile communications); Shionogi against Merck concerning HIV drug; Metatron concerning gas injection system; frequent litigation for Nichia, Sandoz/Hexal, Hospira.